Artists pair up for 'Dancing with the Dragon' at LITM

While Jersey City artists John Fathom and John Ruddy’s styles seem incongruent, they’ve found common ground in their new show.

Fathom, who is known for abstract painted light boxes with a postindustrial flair, and Ruddy, who is known for bright, bedazzled paintings of Indian dancers and myths, have long collaborated on projects and events. Their new show “Dancing with the Dragon,” features their first joint art piece, which was inspired by the Landmark Loew’s Jersey Theatre and its clocktower statue of St. George and the Dragon.

“It’s an homage to Jersey City, and also a recognition of its changing character,” said Ruddy. “We’re taking on a classic Western theme, a neo-Gothic structure and giving it a reinterpretation.”

Fathom, who also has functional wine rack sculptures in the show, spearheaded the building of the frame while Ruddy embellished the details. The result is a $12,500 behemoth showing the epic battle in what resembles a Javanese shadow puppet theater.

Both artists say the piece — which is a work in progress — melds their aesthetic sensibilities, shared love of the grandiose and the themes in their work. The show also includes recent work by each artist.

Fathom says the entire show works together as an allegory. “I kind of see it as you come through me and my work in a very human way, and go into the fires and battle dragons, and then you see John (Ruddy)’s very ornate, beautiful dancers. You see a transition of working through demons and coming out a little more whole or beautiful.”

Ruddy hopes viewers get some wholeness from the exhibit.

“I want to touch your inner story, your inner mythology. If we all don’t think of ourselves in epic terms, there’s no point. There’s no reason to get out of bed in the morning if you don’t have a sense of magic in your life,” he said. “I want people to manifest their dreams in a way that makes them feel important about themselves. That’s the essence of what art is for.”

“On my side, I’m hoping people see the benefits of challenging yourself and doing battle with your demons,” said Fathom. “You can use these demons, these dragons at your disposal, for your benefit ... to come out better if you face them.”

“Dancing with the Dragon” is open through Sunday, Feb. 2 at LITM, 140 Newark Ave., Jersey City. For more information, visit LITM.com.